Chapter 4, Verse 42 (Bhagavad Gita 4.42)
Chapter 4: Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog – Path of Knowledge and the Disciplines of Action
Sanskrit Shloka
तस्मादज्ञानसंभूतं हृत्स्थं ज्ञानासिनाऽऽत्मनः। छित्त्वैनं संशयं योगमातिष्ठोत्तिष्ठ भारत
Transliteration
tasmād ajñāna-sambhūtaṁ hṛit-sthaṁ jñānāsinātmanaḥ chhittvainaṁ sanśhayaṁ yogam ātiṣhṭhottiṣhṭha bhārata
Word Meanings
tasmāt—therefore; ajñāna-sambhūtam—born of ignorance; hṛit-stham—situated in the heart; jñāna—of knowledge; asinā—with the sword; ātmanaḥ—of the self; chhittvā—cut asunder; enam—this; sanśhayam—doubt; yogam—in karm yog; ātiṣhṭha—take shelter; uttiṣhṭha—arise; bhārata—Arjun, descendant of Bharat
Translation
Therefore, having cut asunder the doubt in your heart born of ignorance with the sword of knowledge, establish yourself in Yoga. Arise, O Bharata!
Meaning & Commentary
This verse serves as a powerful call to spiritual awakening, urging the seeker to confront the internal obstacles that hinder their growth. The 'sword of knowledge' represents the sharp, analytical wisdom that dispels the darkness of confusion and identity crisis residing within our own hearts. By cutting through the egoic doubts born of ignorance, one transcends the limitations of worldly anxieties and anchors themselves in the stability of Yoga. This transformation is not merely intellectual; it is a vital movement toward purposeful action, demanding that we rise above hesitation to embrace our higher duty.